Shannon Weisenberger

Now that we're all working from home, energy bills could go up. Take some time to evaluate your home office space (even if it's the kitchen table!). Many utilities offer home efficiency kits (LED bulbs, shower heads, etc.) - visit your electric utilities website to see if they offer any of these solutions. The links below will also help you find energy efficiency opportunities in your own space.

Use an online tool (links below) to calculate my carbon footprint and see what changes would make the most difference. Each calculator varies, but you'll typically need to gather: utility records, the flight history for the last year, and annual mileage and fuel efficiency of your vehicles.

I will pick up 2 piece(s) of litter each day while following the CDC’s current guidelines for prevention of disease transfer.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

I will watch 1 documentary(ies) about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators, including monarch butterflies, to produce fruit. I will spend 30 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about how our oceans support life on Earth by producing oxygen, regulating climate, and providing habitat, food, and jobs.

An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When marine wildlife ingest plastic, they have a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area while following CDC guidelines for social distancing.

I will reduce food waste and save money by prepping for 2 meal(s) each day, only buying the ingredients I need.

I will replace 30 minute(s) each day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside that follows CDC guidelines for preventing disease spread.

I will connect with at least 3 person/people a day through phone call or video chat to support mine and other’s mental and emotional health during this challenging time.

I will spend at least 45 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching how biodiversity positively impacts our world and how the loss of biodiversity harms it.

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about a wild animal I find interesting, including their life cycle, habitat, ecosystem functions, and interactions with humans (if any!).